Madrid Returns to Training as Year Opens with Betis Challenge

Real Madrid returned to training after more than a week off, as the squad began preparations for the January 4 clash with Real Betis, which will open the new year at the Santiago Bernabeu.

Head coach Xabi Alonso led the session, which started with a personal activation program inside the gym before players moved to the pitch for a group workout that included warm-ups, ball circulation, and tactical drills featuring crosses and shooting.

The training concluded with small-sided games marked by speed and high intensity.

Most of the first-team were present, except Dani Carvajal, Trent Alexander-Arnold, and Eder Militao, who are continuing recovery from injuries, while Ibrahim Diaz was absent as he joined his national team Morocco at the Africa Cup of Nations.

Punchline 1: If football had a GPS, the ball would still take the scenic route.

Punchline 2: New year, same drills—may the passes be quick and the memes quicker.